Bone Up On Vitamin D

Weak, fragile bones and susceptibility to fractures-these are some of the painful consequences of the debilitating bone disease, osteoporosis. Currently, 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis in the United States and another 34 million are at risk of developing the disease. The Surgeon General has named osteoporosis a national health threat and estimated that by 2020 one in two Americans over the age of 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis or low bone mass.

There are several risk factors associated with the development of osteoporosis, including inadequate levels of vitamin D, a nutrient essential to the body's absorption of calcium. Recent research has uncovered that over 70 percent of women over the age of 50 have low levels of vitamin D, and even women being treated for osteoporosis have low levels of the important vitamin. To address the need for greater awareness about low levels of vitamin D, Spirit of Women Hospital Network has teamed up with Dr. Marie Savard, an internationally recognized women's health expert, to launch a new vitamin D risk assessment.

"Patients are frequently unaware of the importance of vitamin D in bone health and may not know they have low levels of vitamin D. Given its effect on calcium absorption, vitamin D inadequacy is an important medical concern for women, especially those over 50 or those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis," said Dr. Savard.

In 2005, The American Medical Women's Association issued recommendations that called for an increase in vitamin D to 800-1,000 IU daily. The risk assessment will enable women to actively address the adequacy of their vitamin D intake and will direct them toward a possible treatment option for osteoporosis to discuss with their doctors.

"Women today want to be on top of their health to ensure their mobility and independence for a lifetime. The vitamin D risk assessment will help women recognize risk factors for osteoporosis and empower them to make important decisions about their bone health," said Tanya Abreu, national director of Spirit of Women Hospital Network. "By spreading the word about the importance of vitamin D, we hope that women would recognize one of the risk factors for osteoporosis and take ACTION to prevent osteoporosis by talking to their doctors."


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Body Building Supplements For Beginners|Supplementation To Gain Muscles Fast

“Do I need supplements to gain muscles fast?”, “What supplementations are needed for body building beginners?”, “Are the nutrients from my daily meals enough for me to gain bigger muscles fast?”

All body building beginners must have asked themselves these questions. You are reading this article because you would have probably asked these questions yourself.

The answer to these supplementation questions is an affirmative yes. Body building supplements are necessary if you want gain bigger muscles faster. This is because various supplements have their own benefits and they work together complementing each other to support muscle mass gain. You will probably not be getting enough of them through your normal meals and that is the primary reason why you need supplementation.

Since there are so many body building supplements in out there, choosing the correct and effective supplementation to gain muscles fast is a daunting task for a body building beginner.

Well, your anxiety will be solved in this article. As a body building beginner, you need only the basic supplementations to gain muscles effectively. You may need some other supplements when you are at the intermediate or advanced stages of body building.

So what are the basic supplementation to help a beginner to gain muscle mass?

•Protein Supplements – Without protein, you will never gain muscles. Protein is the fundamental supplement for every bodybuilder. You need 1 gram of protein for every pound of your bodyweight per day to faster gain bigger muscles. This is a lot of protein and most people will never get enough of protein from their meals.

•Creatine Supplements - Creatine can significantly increase muscle volume along with protein. It will also improve your weightlifting performances and raise your energy levels so that your workouts are more intensive and this provides for greater muscle gain.

•Glutamine Supplements – Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, which makes up to 60% of the amino acids in the muscles. Glutamine helps in your muscle recovery after your workouts and also prevents muscle lost due to muscle catabolism.

•Multi Vitamins / Minerals Supplement – Your muscles need many vitamins and minerals for every stage of its function and recovery. Some vitamins and minerals are antioxidants and will also help in protecting muscle waste, help in muscle recovery and mopping up free radicals after your muscles are stressed out and damaged during your gym workouts.

As a bodybuilding beginner, these are the only supplementation you will need to help you gain bigger muscles fast.

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Body Building Supplements

Introduction:

Bodybuilding supplements consists of various substances including proteins and amino acids, metal replacement products, prohormones, testosterone boosters and are taken by boy builders and sports persons to help building muscle or supplement fat loss. These bodybuilding supplements are also suitable for improving sports performance.

Amino acids, Branched chain amino acids, glutamine and protein:

Protein consumed by our body metabolizes into amino acids. The bodybuilders prefer most commonly three branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. Muscles metabolize these branched chain amino acids. Additionally these branched chain amino acids are assumed to have resistance towards muscle breakdown.

Although soy protein, a naturally occurring complete protein may sometime exhibit estrogenic activity and is therefore avoided by many of the bodybuilders, however egg protein is preferred as it is also a complete protein. Casein, another richest protein source of amino acid glutamine is preferred as it contains casomorphine additionally, which releases amino acids at regular intervals.

Bodybuilders prefer to take protein just after exercise or as a replacement of meal. Protein powders are available in the market and right quantity of these at recommended helps in making muscles, as muscles are primarily made of protein and protein also helps us in repairing and growth of muscles.

Whenever you purchase a protein packet, you must look for total serving in the pocket and gram protein, gram carbs, gram sugar and gram fat per servings. If you are lactose intolerant, you should select a protein packet, which does not contain lactose. On the basis of all these information you must select the right product suitable for you.

Metal Replacement Products:

The metal replacement products are either available in powder form or in bar form. Powder form can be mixed with water, milk or juice and can be taken thereafter, however bars can be consumed straight away.

These are made available for complete meal replacement and contains high amount of proteins, moderate amount of carbohydrates and also contains various vitamins and minerals.

Various manufacturers of metal replacement products claim to have added soy protein, egg albumin, whey protein or micellar casein as source of protein. For replacement of carbohydrates ingredients derived from oat fiber, wheat flour or maltodextrin have been added. Some may contain essential fatty acids substitute and other mineral substitutes. Some other products such as glutamine peptide and additional amino acids are also added by some of the manufacturers.

Creatine Monohydrate:

Creatine monohydrate is one of the essential organic acids. It is one of the few products suitable for making healthy muscles. Creatine monohydrate is useful for sports persons engaged in weight lifting and short-range sprinters. Creatine monohydrate works in our body and plays a vital role in making and replenishing of ATP. It is also occurs naturally in beef, pork, and salmon.

If you are on creatine, you may notice a weight gain as creatine has a volumizing effect and draws water and various other nutrients to muscle cells.

Some of the common and minor side effects associated with intake of creatine include stomach upset and gastrointestinal distress. Although, some of the recent studies on creatine shows that it has a positive influence on our heart health and it lowers our lipid profile.

Prohormone Supplements:

Prohormones are precursors to both male and female hormones. Body builders are only interested in the supplements capable to increase male hormone testosterone as at elevated level testosterone will lead to improved muscle growth. Studies carried out on various prohormone have not given the desired results. Some of the horhormone are not significant and effective and may have side effects.


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Better Heart Health May Come From Candy

HDL, LDL, triglycerides - the acronyms and terms of the cholesterol debate are becoming part of our everyday language.

Americans are bombarded with reports to raise their HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and lower their LDL, or "bad." While the terms can be difficult to remember, many already know that cholesterol levels need to be controlled to improve heart health and overall wellness.

To do this, many are watching their diets while also checking with a health care professional for the best strategies. But for many, maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is difficult and often expensive. Prescription treatments for cholesterol can cost several hundred dollars per month, by some estimates.

In response to these concerns, Mosaic Nutraceuticals, a Dallas-based company, has come up with a way to address the cholesterol issue. Wrapped in a soft candy chew, "Lipotrene," Mosaic's aid in promoting cholesterol health, is an option for those wanting to control their cholesterol without pills or expensive prescriptions.

"People have to watch their cholesterol in order to maintain good heart health. People also like candy," said Charles Townsend, chief executive officer of Mosaic. "We took these two issues and combined them into Lipotrene, which is loaded with the natural cholesterol control agent Policosanol."


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Best Vitamin Supplements - 3 Criteria for the additional vitamin A should Undecided

Best vitamin supplements must meet high standards in three critical areas. Quality in all three areas is vital not only for health benefits but for safety reasons as well. The best vitamin supplements should excel in these ways:

1. The Design of the Supplement - the term 'efficacy' means 'to produce an effect'. When combined correctly, the effects or efficacy of certain vitamins and minerals in the body can be increased several times. And substances, whether natural or synthetic, when mixed together, can form other undesired or dangerous substances if they are not combined scientifically. When creating a complex best vitamin supplement formula, the professional qualifications of the design staff is a crucial part of the process.

2. The Quality of the Ingredients - there can be enormous differences in quality and potency as well as differences in costs of the individual ingredients. Priority should be given to quality, potency and purity with the best vitamin supplements since the final product will only be as good as the raw ingredients used. The manufacturer must have a system in place to verify that the ingredients used are as the suppliers claim.

3. The Procedures Used in Manufacturing - the large volume vitamin manufacturers may use a ribbon type blender and mix ingredients for only about 20 minutes. This means that low dose substances may not be mixed properly. The time that passes after mixing before encapsulating or tableting is important - less than two hours between blending and tableting makes sure that the blend's integrity remains intact during the manufacturing process. The only dependable way to be sure you are getting the best vitamin supplements is to buy them from a facility that meets pharmaceutical industry production standards.

Are vitamin and mineral supplements really needed? Numerous studies have concluded that because of soil depletion, the overall nutrient value of foods has been declining for decades. Also, even the best vitamin supplements cannot substitute for a poor diet. Eating mostly junk food and taking vitamins will not provide you with the nutrients you will obtain with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin supplements should be considered supplements, not replacements for food. For example, the latest USDA food pyramid recommends consuming 2.5 cups of vegetables a day for women and 3 cups a day for men - most people do not.

The best vitamin supplements cannot be the one-a-day type. Why? One capsule or tablet simply cannot hold all that's needed in necessary quantities - it would be way too large to swallow. One-a-day vitamins are probably a waste of money. And on the other hand, it is easy to end up with a dozen or more individual vitamins to take daily, requiring bottles and bottles which is both a hassle and expensive.

And finally, women need a different vitamin formula than men. A woman's supplement should contain nutrients that are proven by clinical studies to support the balancing of female hormones before, during and after menopause. The best vitamin supplements for men should contain ingredients specifically for supporting healthy male prostate. Including ingredients proven in clinical studies for the prevention of BPH or enlarged prostate is an important part of the best vitamin supplements for men.

Yes, there are manufacturers that meet or exceed the above criteria. Learn as much as you can about what finding the best vitamin supplements really means - before spending your money, be informed about the products you will be taking every day.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing


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Best Vitamin Supplements

Most people want to improve their health, particularly if they can do it easily. Since the way modern food is processed can destroy nutrients, many people choose to supplement their diets by taking vitamin pills. What are the best vitamin supplements to maximize health? Here is a suggested list.

Always consult your physician before you start taking vitamins. Your medical advisor is the only person who can determine what the best vitamin supplements and dosages are for you.

<b>The basics</b>

A multivitamin tablet is a great foundation when looking for the best vitamin supplements. It will contain some of all the basic vitamins and minerals you need and in some cases, a full dose. For example, the amount of Vitamin A in multivitamins is plenty and a separate Vitamin A tablet won't be needed.

Vitamin B complex, which includes 11 different B vitamins, contributes to the health of the nervous system. It is beneficial for medication overuse, alcoholism or recovery from a serious illness. B vitamins assist in reducing the effects of stress and support the adrenal glands. They aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are essential for the health of your skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.

Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin or niacinamide. It helps maintain healthy functioning of the nervous system, digestive system and skin.

Vitamin B-6 combats carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, trigger finger, sensitivity to bright light, burning or tingling in the extremities and inability to recall dreams. It works in combination with magnesium and zinc.

Vitamin B-12 is used as a tonic. It assists in the conversion of iron to hemoglobin in the blood, helps normalize hormone production and increases short-term memory in the elderly. It also contributes to nervous system health.

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that promotes heart health. Pregnant women need ample supplies of folic acid to reduce the risk of serious birth defects in their babies.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. It reacts with free radicals in the bloodstream to combat cell damage, so it can be considered a cancer fighter. It is important in immune system health and collagen formation. Some people believe high doses of vitamin C can help fight colds, but research to support this is mixed. It is present in citrus fruit and prevents scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin D helps promote healthy bones, largely by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, muscle and bone pain, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, esophagus and lymphatic system. It may also help lower blood pressure. It stimulates the pancreas to make insulin and regulates the immune system.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals whose accumulation can lead to premature cell aging. In addition, vitamin E enhances immune response, which is beneficial in preventing and fighting cancer. Studies suggest it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It was formerly believed that Vitamin E helped reduce the risk of heart attack, but recent studies suggest it may increase that risk.

Calcium is necessary for bone maintenance and assists in muscle contraction and nerve function. It may also help prevent colon cancer.

Magnesium works with calcium to build bones. It helps keep muscles strong and nerves alert, as well as helping protect the heart from the stress of exercise. It may also protect against type two diabetes.

<b>Optional extras</b>

Beta carotene supplements the activity of vitamin A. It is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer.

Chromium picolinate stabilizes blood sugar and may promote weight loss as part of a balanced diet and exercise regimen. It can also be used for body building, decreased and increased blood sugar levels and morning sickness.

Coenzyme Q10 is a major antioxidant used in the transfer of cellular respiration inside the inner mitochondrial membranes of the body's cells. It supports heart health.

Lutein promotes eye health. It may protect against aging related eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Selenium binds with heavy metals and helps the body get rid of them. It supports the immune system and may protect against some forms of cancer.

Zinc is another antioxidant supplement believed to be helpful in shortening the duration of colds. People with zinc deficiency may have significantly higher glucose levels and lower insulin levels than similar patients without normal zinc levels.

If you are experiencing health problems, do some research on the Internet to find what the best vitamin supplements are for your condition. People who prefer to avoid taking prescription drugs may be able to find solutions by selecting the best vitamin supplements supported by research studies.


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Benefits of Vitamin E in question

Although taking vitamin supplements is generally a daily routine with most people, the benefits of vitamin E in the human body is not clearly established, but it is known to be an essential nutrient in more than 20 vertebrate species. The vitamin plays some role in forming red blood cells and muscle and other tissues and in preventing the oxidation of vitamin A and fats. It is found in vegetable oils, wheat germ, liver, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is popularly advocated for a wide range of diseases, but no substantial evidence has been found to back these claims. In fact, recently there have been conflicting reports regarding the benefit of vitamin E. Although vitamin E is stored in the body, overdoses appear to have lower toxic effects than do overdoses of other fat-soluble vitamins. The benefits of vitamin e supplements have been widely discussed and there are various opinions as to it efficacy; however, it has been noted that in low doses it does not seem have a detrimental effect.

Even the finest public health and medical services are of limited value to people who have poor health habits. Numerous studies have proven that physical health and longevity are linked to the following: eating a balanced diet, maintaining proper weight, exercising regularly, using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding tobacco, and avoiding alcohol or consuming it in moderation. People who fail to follow these guidelines increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, and other lethal diseases.

The benefits of vitamin E should be discussed with your personal doctor. There have been so many conflicting research results published lately that it makes it very difficult to determine the best course of action for each particular individual. Another report indicated that the effect of low-dose supplements lowered the risk of death by less than 1%, while high dosages contributed to death. As with all supplements (unless otherwise indicated by your physician), moderation is always preferable.

In an article in the July 6 JAMA, I-Min Lee, M.B.B.S., Sc.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues analyzed data from the vitamin E component of the Women's Health Study, which tested whether vitamin E supplementation decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer among healthy women. The researchers found with the vitamin E group, there was no significant effect on major cardiovascular events, on the incidences of heart attack or stroke, as well as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. For cardiovascular death, there was a 24 percent reduction. There was no significant effect on the incidences of total cancer or breast, lung, or colon cancers. Cancer deaths also did not differ significantly between groups. There was no significant effect of vitamin E on total death although some research shows that large doses do indeed have a detrimental effect.

Online merchants that specialize in vitamin supplements can assist you in determining your needs. However, when considering the facts about vitamin E (as with all other supplements), it is wise to first discuss the matter with your own doctor. Once it has been determined that you should take a particular vitamin or many vitamin supplements, you should consider all the online sources for nutritional supplements. The prices are much more competitive than at typical retail stores and they offer the same guarantees.

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